Teatro Paraguas and SageRight Productions present a new play by Robert F. Benjamin of Los Alamos, Still in The Game.
Striving for a new life, a recent widower clashes with his daughter, speed-dates, and receives a traffic citation in his quest for inner peace and connection.
Still in the Game is the latest play in Benjamin’s ongoing inquiry into the subject of “aging with grace, courage, and humor.” Two previous “aging” plays were produced at Teatro Paraguas, Not Quite Right (2015) and Salt and Pepper (2013).
Directed by Sheryl Bailey, Still In The Game focuses on the journey of David (played by Jim McGiffin), a recently widowed retiree in his 70s who is grappling with the structure and meaning of his life. His daughter Dawn (Juliet Salazar) is concerned for him, with well-meaning intentions, but with an agenda of her own. At an evening of speed-dating, David spars with Ruby (Marguerite Scott), but the attraction is palpable. Their subsequent mutual happiness is thrown off-balance by David’s cancer, as is everyone’s hopes and plans. As David’s choices narrow, his innate humor and uncanny wisdom shine more deeply in this upbeat but poignant family drama. The cast rounds out with Michelle (Roxanne Tapia), who works at a clothing boutique, and Dawn (Alix Hudson), a young motorcycle cop.
Performances:
Thursday • August 10 • 7:30 p.m.
Friday • August 11 • 7:30 p.m.
Saturday • August 12 • 7:30 p.m.
Sunday • August 13 • 2:00 p.m.
Thursday • August 17 • 7:30 p.m.
Friday • August 18 • 7:30 p.m.
Saturday • August 19 • 7:30 p.m.
Sunday • August 20 • 2:00 p.m.
Tickets:
$10 Thursdays
$20 general admission
$12 limited income
To purchase tickets, call: 505-424-1601 or visit still2017.brownpapertickets.com
Robert F. Benjamin is a late-blooming New Mexico playwright following a distinguished career as a research physicist and science educator. His plays include Parted Waters (produced nationally and at Teatro Paraguas in 2010), Time Enough, and Galileo’s Footsteps. He has also authored twenty produced short plays, a short film, and an operetta.
Sheryl Bailey has worked as Staff Producer at the Mark Taper Forum (MTF), Associate Managing Artistic Director at the Western Stage Theater Company (CA), Directing/writing for Santa Fe Stages (NM), and many independent artistic projects, including Clouds of Joy by Chris Calloway/Sheryl Bailey, and Time Enough by Robert Benjamin. She has many successful productions as the former Producing Coordinator for MTF’s New Works Festival, and Producer of MTF’s Other Voices Chautauqua. This is Sheryl’s first production with Teatro Paraguas. Through the years she has had the opportunity to direct and produce theater on many different levels. Staff Producer at the Mark Taper Forum (MTF), Associate Managing Artistic Director at the Western Stage Theater Company (CA), Directing/writing for Santa Fe Stages (NM) and many independent artistic projects. She has a passion for directing in new play development. Her new-play directing credits include Baby Jane’s Shangra-La by Kira Arné (Taper Blacksmyths), Pigmentation Blues by Betty K. Bynum (NY Negro Ensemble), Managing Care by Lonnee Hamilton.
Teatro Paraguas is located at 3205 Calle Marie in the Siler-Rufina area, Santa Fe’s newest emerging arts district. The production is made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Santa Fe Arts Commission, Santa Fe Community Foundation, and the McCune Foundation. This production is part of the Teatro Paraguas mission to produce plays by New Mexico playwrights.